SIMPLE PNKUMONIA IN THE HORSE. 1 83 



of soda, given in the drinking-water. Its effects are excellent at all 

 stages of the disease. 



Antimonial preparations — tartar emetic and sulphide of antimony 

 — adopted from human medicine, have similar antiphlogistic effects to 

 bleeding, though they act in a different manner, Tartar emetic is 

 given in doses of one and a half to three drachms per day in the food. 

 It renders the breathing easier, and slows the circulation, but in general 

 its therapeutic value has been greatly over-estimated. 



Dilute alcohol in the form of brandy, whisky, rum, or wine is much 

 used, and not without benefit. It checks excessive tissue metabolism, 

 supports the animal's powers, acts as a tonic, tends to lower tempera- 

 ture, and has the advantage of being readily taken in the drinking- 

 water or in electuary. I frequently prescribe four to eight iluid ounces 

 of brandy per day. It can be given from the commencement and con- 

 tinued until resolution begins, the dose being varied according to the 

 symptoms. 



Digitalis is of unquestionable value, especially when the heart 

 muscle shows signs of exhaustion, as indicated by rapidity and feeble- 

 ness of the pulse. It is given in doses of three quarters to one and a 

 half drachms in electuary, and continued for several days. In many 

 cases change in the heart's action and the condition of the vessels 

 follows in a few hours, the heart beats becoming less powerful and 

 sudden, and the pulse stronger and more regular. Doses of two to 

 three drachms, given by some practitioners, are excessive. When long 

 continued, digitalis produces change in the heart fibres, which appear 

 to undergo fatty degeneration. 



Iodide of potassium has been given at all stages of the disease in 

 doses of one and a half to three drachms per day. Various good effects 

 are attributed to it, such as those of moderating the circulation and 

 respiration and of lowering temperature. Its value, however, is slight 

 except during the period of resolution, when it favours absorption of 

 newly formed tissue in the bronchial glands, and thus prevents com- 

 pression and atrophy of the left recurrent nerve, one of the causes of 

 chronic roaring. 



Salicylate of soda may prove of value in lowering temperature, 

 while as a general antiseptic it is preferable to salicylic acid, which 

 irritates the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane. It has been strongly 

 recommended during the period of resolution in order to prevent the 

 attacks of SNUovitis seen during or after pneumonia. 



Quinine salts, like the sulphate and hydrobromate, have recently 

 been used by many practitioners. They temporarily lower temperature 

 and slow the circulation, thus exercising an antifebrile and tonic effect. 



